CENTRAL BELIEFS
THE BIBLE:
My views of the Bible are literal. For me that means that every word, every dash, every period is sacred and given to us by God. The Bible is no story book, the Bible is the word of God.
Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
ON INTERPRETATION...
I am open to the dispute over the interpretation of certain portions of scripture and I welcome all perspectives. I for one believe through faith, for example, in the creation of this world as it is written in Genesis. However, on issues such as "headwear" and other ancient practices of faith, I reference scholarly/historical input and interpretation.
My personal preference for translation, and the one I will reference, is the English Standard Version (ESV). I have also chosen and recommend the Crossway ESV Study Bible, which provides some detailed historical and scholarly notes/context on virtually all passages.
My personal preference for translation, and the one I will reference, is the English Standard Version (ESV). I have also chosen and recommend the Crossway ESV Study Bible, which provides some detailed historical and scholarly notes/context on virtually all passages.
SALVATION:
Because I like to be clear about my beliefs, I will address my exact beliefs on salvation. In short, I believe that we are saved from the moment we fully accept Jesus Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior. That is the simplicity of our salvation (for faith saves us, not works), and also the requirement for our salvation. Jesus Christ is the way to salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as a bridge would allow us to cross from one side of a river to the other, so the Son of God has bridged a way to the Kingdom of Heaven, available for all man-kind.
John 14:1-7 (ESV)
"'Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'"
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)
"[Know] that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
John 14:1-7 (ESV)
"'Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'"
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)
"[Know] that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."